Today’s attacks concentrated on police personnel, but one also came close to
harming the United Nation’s top envoy to Iraq. At least 19 Iraqis were killed
and 25 more were wounded in those and other attacks. As many as 15 Iranian
pilgrims were injured as well. Also, an Iraqi general says
he will investigate claims that journalists are still being beaten by
security personnel.

The top U.N. envoy to Iraq, Ad Melkert, traveled to Najaf to
visit with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. After the meeting, his convoy
encountered a roadside bomb. Melkert escaped injury, but an Iraqi
policeman was killed and three others were injured. The chief of police
said
the attack targeted police not Melkert.